Why we relay…

Relay For Life starts at dusk and ends the next morning. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the physical effects, emotions and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.

The relay begins at sunset. This symbolizes the time that the person has been diagnosed with cancer. As the evening progresses, it gets colder and darker this represents the patients' state of mind as they endure the emotions of being a cancer patient.

The time between 1 and 2 a.m. represents the time when the cancer patient starts treatments. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on and possibly wanting to give up.

As a participant in the relay, you have been walking and feel much the same way. Like the cancer patient, you cannot stop or give up.

The time around 4 to 5 a.m. symbolizes the completion of treatment for the patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it.

The morning light brings on a new day full of life and excitement for new beginnings. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the relay is close at hand.

When you leave Relay For Life, think of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Just as you are exhausted and weak, so is the person, but there is hope in the new day. The money raised at the relay will support patient services, life-saving research, prevention education and advocacy efforts. And that is why we relay!

Remember: There is no finish line until we find a cure.

Teams are forming now for the Leavenworth Relay For Life, to be held June 6 and 7 at Abeles Field in Leavenworth. For more information, or to register a team, contact Denise Portice at (913) 250-0232.